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Chase Adams (Uni Baskets Paderborn) To Get Over The Hump I Must Turn It Up A Couple Notches

Chase Adams is a 28 year old 188cm point guard from Baltimore, Maryland playing his second season for the Uni Baskets Paderborn in the (Germany-ProA). He started his basketball career at Centenary (NCAA) in 2006 where he played three seasons and a total of 89 NCAA games. As a senior he moved to Pittsburgh (NCAA). He turned professional in 2011 and played briefly in the ABA and in the UBL before making Germany his home as he played for teams like Dortmund, Bochum, and Science City Jena. He spoke to German Hoops after the tough loss to Trier.

Chase thanks for talking to German Hoops. 2017 is here and are you the type of guy that goes into a new year with new years resolutions or more a guy that doesn´t bother with that?

It’s certainly important to reflect on the first half of the season at this point and evaluate what needs improvement. A new mentality is always a helpful way to regain focus and set new goals.

The Uni Baskets Paderborn suffered a tough 69-66 loss to Trier. They had the 37-26 lead at halftime. It took you a while as a team to get going scoring 24 points in the third quarter to get back into the game. What adjustments did you make?

We were sluggish and emotionless, so coach wanted us to turn up the pressure and play more lively. Communication and strong rotations were the emphasis.

Paderborn had the 66-63 lead with 2.54 minutes to play and were controlling the last 4-5 minutes keeping the lead, but then lost control allowing Trier to close out the game with a 6-0 run. How bitter was this outcome losing like this? Is that worse then getting beat by a buzzer beater?

Losing period is hurtful, especially with a team that we will potentially be fighting against for a playoff spot. We must collectively play better in those defining moments.

What was key in the last few minutes that allowed Trier to get the momentum and win the game?

Besides handing them free throws, it was the bad offensive possessions where we didn’t get a good shot up.

Do you feel like there would have been a different outcome at the end had you not fouled out at 1.10 minutes to play?

Absolutely. These are the moments that I’ve been working hard to be prepared for and I was more than ready to perform. Unfortunately it didn’t go as planned and it really hurt to have to watch.

Do you feel also had the team contained American Brandon Spearman better and limited his trips to the free throw line that you would have been able to preserve the win?

We expected him to attack and lucky for him he got the calls. It was a smart effort on his behalf, but we should have executed better on offense.

A big problem of the Uni Baskets Paderborn in their current 5 game losing streak has been the inability to close out games. Has this trend turned into an unwanted type of disease?

I wouldn’t call it a disease, if anything it’s showing that we have heart and even though we are down at the moment, we aren’t a door mat you can walk over. We can go toe to toe with any team and any game versus Paderborn will be a battle.

After the wild 130-125 double OT win against the Drsden Titans in October, you said that this will be a season to remember. Do you still feel this now at 7-11 and out of the playoff spots?

I stand by my statement whole heartedly. I won’t give up until the season is completely over. At the end if we don’t make it then we don’t make it, but as long as we lace up and we throw on that jersey We are planning to win them all.

The Uni Baskets Paderborn played Kirchheim and Crailsheim very tight. What do you believe is missing for you to be able to beat these caliber type teams?

Defensive discipline in the last seconds of the shot clock and simply offensive execution when the game is on the line. Completing those possessions with a stop and not giving them second chances or easy looks. Offensively getting highly efficient shot attempts. These two factors have decided these close losses.

Before the loss to Trier, Paderborn was allowing 80 points per game. The team defended a lot better against Trier. Do you feel that Paderborn could hold more Pro A teams to around 70 points which would put you in a lot better position to win?

If we put our mind to it we can do anything. Everything else is in order, so the next step is take more pride in defense and to stick to our principles. The effort needs to stay at a high level for 40minutes.

Currently your third in tea s coring, first in assists and steals and second in rebounding. How happy have you been with your first half performance?

Not Satisfied one bit. It’s just not enough in my book. To get over the hump I must turn it up a couple notches.

You continue to be a great defender leading the team with 2,6spg. How does a top notch defender like you continue to excel at this trade? What do you do in practices that has you always ready in games?

Defense is built on toughness, determination to stop your assignment and to give your all for the team. You just show up with that mentality everyday in practice so it’s natural in game. Another key factor is paying attention to scouting. Taking time to study players habits and teams plays.

Klay Thompson recently hit 60 points in 29 minutes touching the ball for only 90 seconds. Where does this performance rank with you?

This year. That’s a top 5 performance.

One always talks about Lebron and Curry, but one has to mention Russell Westbrook. He is averaging triple double stats at the moment. Is he stat wise the best player in the world right now?

Without a doubt. Nobody has a motor like him.

Russell Westbrook obviously has gotten a lot of attention with his constant triple doubles, but James Harden is doing the same thing with the Houston Rockets. Where do you see him head to head against Westbrook as best point guard at the moment in the NBA?

All though Westbrooks stat lines are out of this world, Hardens team has the better record so maybe Harden gets the nod for best PG.